Shale shaker

ABSTRACT

A shale shaker ( 10 ) or vibratory separator which, in one aspect, has a base ( 22 ), vibration isolation apparatus on the base ( 22 ), a basket ( 12 ), mount apparatus ( 16 ) for mounting the basket on the base ( 22 ), and at least one of the base ( 22 ), basket ( 12 ), and the mount apparatus ( 16 ) made of, encased in, or coated with composite material which, in certain aspects, is all or part flexible composite material; and methods of using such separators and shakers.

This invention relates to vibratory separators and, particularly, butnot exclusively, to shale shakers.

In the drilling of a borehole in the construction of an oil or gas well,a drill bit is arranged on the end of a drill string and is rotated tobore the borehole. A drilling fluid known as “drilling mud” is pumpedthrough the drill string to the drill bit to lubricate the drill bit.The drilling mud is also used to carry the cuttings produced by thedrill bit and other solids to the surface through an annulus formedbetween the drill string and the borehole. The drilling mud containsexpensive synthetic oil-based lubricants and it is normal therefore torecover and reuse the used drilling mud, but this requires the solids tobe removed from the drilling mud. This is achieved by processing thedrilling fluid. The first part of the process is to separate the solidsfrom the solids laden drilling mud. This is at least partly achievedwith a vibratory separator, such as those shale shaker disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,265,730, WO 96/33792 and WO 98/16328.

Shale shakers generally comprise an open bottomed basket having one opendischarge end and a solid walled feed end. A number of rectangularscreens are arranged in the basket, which are typically held inC-channel rails located on the basket walls, such as those disclosed inGB-A-2,176,424 or using hook-strip connection means. The basket isarranged on springs above a receptor for receiving recovered drillingmud. A skip or ditch is provided beneath the open discharge end of thebasket. A motor is fixed to the basket, which has a drive rotor providedwith an offset clump weight. In use, the motor rotates the rotor and theoffset clump weight, which causes the basket and the screens fixedthereto to shake. Solids laden mud is introduced at the feed end of thebasket on to the screens. The shaking motion induces the solids to movealong the screens towards the open discharge end. Drilling mud passesthrough the screens. The recovered drilling mud is received in thereceptor for further processing and the solids pass over the dischargeend of the basket into the ditch or skip.

The screens are generally of one of two types: hook-strip; andpre-tensioned.

The hook-strip type of screen comprises several rectangular layers ofmesh in a sandwich, usually comprising one or two layers of fine grademesh and a supporting mesh having larger mesh holes and heavier gaugewire. The layers of mesh are joined at each side edge by a strip whichis in the form of au elongate hook. In use, the elongate hook is hookedon to a tensioning device arranged along each side of a shale shaker.The shale shaker further comprises a crowned set of supporting members,which run along the length of the basket of the shaker, over which thelayers of mesh are tensioned. An example of this type of screen isdisclosed in GB-A-1,526,663. The supporting mesh may be provided with orreplaced by a panel having apertures therein.

The pre-tensioned type of screen comprises several rectangular layers ofmesh, usually comprising one or two layers of fine grade mesh and asupporting mesh having larger mesh holes and heavier gauge wire. Thelayers of mesh are pre-tensioned on a rigid support comprising arectangular angle iron frame and adhered thereto. The screen is theninserted into C-channel rails arranged in a basket of a shale shaker. Anexample of this type or screen is disclosed in GB-A-1,578,948.

Many typical vibratory separators and shale shakers have a basket towhich is secured one or more screens used for separating components ofmaterial fed to the vibratory separator or shale shaker. Vibratingapparatus connected to the basket vibrates the basket and the vibrationsare imparted to the screen or screens secured therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,428 discloses a vibratory screening machine having abasket mounted on springs on a base. It is suggested that the springsmay be replaced with rubber or plastics or rubber and plastics compositmaterial.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,189 discloses a screening machine having a rigidinelastic composite friction material secured at the interface betweenthe screen assembly and the vibratory frame for reducing wear fromrubbing therebetween.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,302 discloses a screen assembly and a shale shakerand support strips. The support strips made of composite material.

Typically it is desirable to maximize vibration of the screen(s) whileisolating equipment, objects, and structures adjacent the vibratoryseparator from the intense vibrations produced by the vibratingapparatus. Such isolation is effected by using springs, rubber orrubber-like or resilient members or cushions, isolator apparatus, andshock absorbers on which the container or basket is mounted.

In many vibratory separators and shale shakers parts of the machine aremade of steel, for example the container basket, housings for vibratingapparatus, vibration isolating springs, and spring mounts. In manyenvironments in which vibratory separators and shale shakers are used,these steel parts are subjected to harsh conditions that result in wear,erosion, rust, and corrosion of the steel. Often shale shakers are usedoffshore on rigs over salt water. Both the salt environment and thechemicals in drilling fluids processed by the shale shakers cancontribute to the deterioration of steel parts.

In the past parts of screen assemblies and decks for such screens havebeen made of composite materials; but no prior art suggest that parts ofa shale shaker such as the basket, base, or spring mounts be made ofcomposite material, nor does any prior art provide the motivation to doso.

The present inventors have recognised that, for a vibratory separatorand shale shaker with a basket, base, and/or spring mount need to resistwear, rust and corrosion. The inventors have recognised that suchmachines internal vibration can be maximized while effectively isolatingobjects adjacent the machines from the vibrations. There has long been aneed for such machines which are more cost-effective; relatively lighterin weight and easy to transport either assembled or unassembled; able towithstand material fatigue due to vibration; and/or which are easilyrepaired.

According to the invention, there is provided a shale shaker comprisinga base, vibration isolation apparatus on said bases, a basket mountapparatus for mounting said basket on said base and a vibratorymechanism for vibrating said basket, characterised in that said basketis made of or encased in a composite material.

Preferably, the composite is non-metal composite material.Advantageously, the composite material include at least a portionthereof made of flexible composite material. Preferably, the compositematerial includes at least one reinforcing part within the compositematerial. Advantageously, the reinforcing part is made of metal.Preferably, the reinforcing part is made of material from the groupconsisting of wood, plastic, fibre, and composite material.

Advantageously, the shale shaker further comprises electronic tackingapparatus.

Preferably, the basket has a plurality of interconnected walls,advantageously, the walls connected by electromagnetic welding.

Advantageously, the shale shaker has a screen support apparatus andvibratory apparatus for vibrating the screen support apparatus, andisolation apparatus for isolating the screen support apparatus toinhibit vibrations vibrating the screen apparatus from vibrating objectsother than the screen support apparatus and the screen apparatus.Preferably, the shale shaker further comprises mounting apparatus towhich is mounted the isolation apparatus, the mounting apparatus madefrom composite material. Advantageously, the mounting apparatus includesat least a portion made from flexible composite material. Preferably,the at least a portion made from flexible composite material is aplurality of spaced-apart amounts of flexible composite material.Advantageously, the mounting apparatus is made from flexible compositematerial. Preferably, the isolation apparatus is a plurality ofspaced-apart isolation apparatuses. Advantageously, the isolationapparatus is from the group consisting of springs, resilient members,cushions, flexible hollow members, and inflatable members. Preferably,the isolation apparatus is coated with composite material. Preferably,the isolation apparatus is encased in composite material.Advantageously, the shale shaker further comprises mounting apparatus towhich is mounted the isolation apparatus, the mounting apparatus coatedwith composite material. Advantageously, the shale shaker furthercomprises mounting apparatus to which is mounted the isolationapparatus, the mounting apparatus encased in composite material.

Preferably, the shale shaker is for treating fluid introduced thereto,the fluid to be treated comprising fluid with drilled cuttings therein.Advantageously, the shale shaker is for treating fluid introducedthereto, the fluid to be treated including lost circulation material.Preferably, the lost circulation material includes fibrous lostcirculation material.

Advantageously, the shale shaker has at least one of said base and saidmount apparatus also made of or encased in or coated with a compositematerial

The present invention also provides a method for separating solids froma solids laden drilling fluid using a shale shaker, the methodcomprising introducing fluid to be treated to the shale shaker, theshale shaker having a base, vibration isolation apparatus on said base,a basket, mount apparatus for mounting said basket on said base, and avibratory mechanism for vibrating said basket wherein said basket ismade of or encased in a composite material, and processing said fluidthrough the shale shaker.

Preferably, the drilling fluid comprises drilled cuttings.Advantageously, the drilling fluid includes lost circulation material.Preferably, the composite material includes at least a portion thereofthat is flexible composite material. Advantageously, at least one of thebase and the mount apparatus is also made of, or encased in a compositematerial

In certain aspects, the present invention discloses shale shakers withsome parts and components made of composites which are shipped andtransported to a job site and assembled at the site. In certainparticular aspects, parts are adhesively bonded together or weldedtogether. In one particular aspect parts made of particular types ofcomposite are electromagnetically welded together either at amanufacturing facility or at a job site, for example, at a drilling rig.

In certain embodiments, the present invention discloses shale shakers inwhich composite (in one aspect relatively flexible composite) materialis used in spring mounts to enhance the vibration isolation accomplishedby the spring mounts. Walls and/or sides of a basket of a shaker can inaccordance with the present invention, be made of composite material orcan have areas made of such composite material (which in one aspect istentatively flexible composite) as can spring mounting brackets orparts.

Shale shakers in accordance with the present invention are useful fortreating drilling fluid with drilled cuttings and/or with lostcirculation material therein, which, in one aspect, includes fibrouslost circulation material and which may be, but is not limited to, anylost circulation material disclosed in or referred to in pending U.S.application Ser. No. 09/975,075 filed Oct. 11, 2001 and co-owned withthe present invention and incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

Such machines in which the screen(s) used for separating materialcomponents are effectively vibrated while objects adjacent the machinesare not detrimentally vibrated or such vibration is reduced by employingisolator apparatus parts, components and structural members made ofcomposite material and, in one particular aspect, such parts, etc. madeof relatively flexible composite material.

Such machines that are transportable unassembled and are easilyassembled at a job site;

Such machines with such parts that are easily repaired;

Such machines useful for treating drilling fluid with drilled cuttingsand/or with lost circulation material therein, which, in one aspect,includes fibrous lost circulation material.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will nowbe made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shale shaker in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the shale shaker of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the shale shaker of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shale shaker in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a shale her in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vibratory separator in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view or a vibratory separator in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view or the vibratory separator of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a side in accordance with the presentinvention for a vibratory separator or shale shaker.

FIG. 11 is an end view of a shale shaker in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shale shaker in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 13A is a top view of a structural member for a shale shaker inaccordance with the present invention; FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectionview of the member of FIG. 13A; and

FIGS. 14 to 16 are side cross-section views of parts of shale shakers inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a shale shaker 10 in accordance with the presentinvention which has a screen-mounting basket 12 and a bridge 14 on whichare mounted two vibrating apparatuses 20. The basket 12 has bracket 16to which are secured helical springs 18. Each spring 18 is secured to abase member 22. As shown in FIG. 3, an optional housing 24 may be usedon sides of and beneath the shale shaker 10. Optionally (and as may bethe case with any shale shaker disclosed herein in accordance with theprevent invention or with any known prior art shaker or vibratoryseparator) an electronic tracking apparatus 29 is on the housing 24, butmay, in accordance with the present invention, be within any suitablemember or part of a shale shaker; and, optionally, such a tackingapparatus has a container or housing made of composite material and/oris encased within or coated with composite material. Any known trackingdevice, apparatus, or system may be used, including, but not limited toknown satellite tracking systems.

The brackets 16 are made, preferably, of composite material, as are thebase members 22 and the housing 24. Optionally, the basket 12 (sidewalls 12 a, 12 b; ends 12 c, 12 d) is made of composite material.Alternatively one, some, or all of these components are made of steelencased in composite or steel coated with composite. A coating ofcomposite may have the thickness of a layer of paint or of two, three,four or more layer of paint. A shale shaker similar to the shale shaker10, but with no teaching, motivation, or suggestion of using suchcomposite material for a shale shaker or parts of it, is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,155,428 incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

FIG. 4 shows a shale shaker 30 in accordance with the present invention,which has screen apparatus 33 mounted in a basket 32. Between basketmount members 37 and mount members 35 on a frame 36 are mounted springs34 for isolating vibration of the shale shaker 30. Vibrating apparatus38 vibrates the basket 32 to vibrate the screen apparatus 33. Elevatorapparatus 31 provides for raising and lowering of the basket end. Posts39 secured to the basket 32 extend through corresponding holes in themount members 37.

In accordance with the present invention, the basket 32 is, preferably,made of composite material as are the mount members 37, frame 36 mountmembers 35, and posts 39. A shale shaker similar to the shale shaker 40is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,925 (co-owned with the presentinvention and incorporated fully herein for all purposes), but thispatent has no teaching, motivation, or suggestion to make a shale shakeror parts of it with such composite material.

FIG. 5 shows a shale shaker 40 in accordance with the present invention,which has a lower base frame 41 on which is mounted a screen bed supportframe 42. Air springs 44 positioned between mount members 45 a connectedto the support frame 42 and mount members 45 b connected to the baseframe 41 provide resilient support for the support frame 42. Vibratoryapparatus 47 connected to the support frame 42 vibrates the supportframe 42 and thus vibrates a screen or screens on the support frame 42.A vertical strut 45 provides support for the vibratory apparatus 47.Each air spring 44 has a body 44 a. The support frame 42 has a depth,which may be extended to form a basket around the edges of the screen toinhibit larger particles falling off the sides or end of the screens andto guide the larger particles into a conveyor ditch, skip or hopper forfurther processing and to guide contain liquid before it passes throughthe screen.

In accordance with the present invention, the base fame 41, bodies 44 a,strut 45, mount members 45 a, and/or mount members 45 b are, preferablymade of composite material or of steel encased in or coated withcomposite material. A shale shaker similar to the shale shaker 40, butwith no teaching, motivation, or suggestion of using such compositematerial for a shale shaker or parts thereof, is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,685,982, incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

FIG. 6 shows a vibratory separator 60 in accordance with the presentinvention which has a stationary base 61 and a moving frame 62 moved byapparatus 64 connected to the fame 62. Intervening resilient members 63are positioned between brackets 69 of the frame 2 and posts 67 of thebase 61. Screens 65 and 66 are mounted on corresponding decks 65 a and66 a, respectively. It is to be understood that although only one sideof the separator 60 is shown in FIG. 6, the other side is like the sidethat is shown (as is true for the apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 also).

In accordance with the present invention, the base 61, resilient members63, brackets 69, posts 67, and/or decks 65 a, 66 a are made of compositematerial or steel encased in or coated with composite material. EP-A-0238 455, App. No. 87930099.5 filed Mar. 17, 1987 discloses a separatorsimilar to the separator 60, but it has no teaching, suggestion ormotivation to make a separator or parts thereof of such compositematerial. This EPO Application is incorporated fully herein for allpurposes.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a vibratory separator 100 which is a portable,self-contained unit, having a combined tank and basic 115, screen box116, screen 147, screen deck 117 and drive 118. Combined tank and base115 is “L” shaped in its side elevation and the screen is substantiallyrectangular in its plan view. Screen box 116 is spring supported on base115 and carries screen deck 117 and vibrator assembly 121. A drive 118has a V-belt 122 connecting pulley 123 to one end of vibrator shaft 124and pulley 125 attached to electric motor 126 mounted on the top of box116. The tank and base 115 have two vertical side plates 127, twotransverse tubes 128, feed-box 129 and collecting tank 130. Each sideplate 127 may have horizontal stiffeners 131 and two spring supportbrackets 132. Upper edge 133 of the side plate is sloped downwardly fromthe feed-end to the discharge to conform generally to the average slopeof screen deck 117. Two tubes 128 act as transverse structural tiesbetween side plate 127 at each end of the base near the bottom of theside plates. The tubes extend outwardly beyond the side plates andhorizontal stiffeners to permit a hoisting sling to be used over eachtube end 128 a. At the feed-end of the screen, feed box 129 is attachedto side plates 127 just above one of the transverse tubes 128 and haslower portion 129 a and upper portion 129 b. The lower portion istriangular in transverse cross-section and is arranged to receivematerial from inlet pipe 135 and direct same upwardly to the generallyrectangular portion 129 b which communicates with flume 137. Adjustablefeed vanes 140 are provided in feed flume 137. Each vane 140 has apivoted vertical plate 141 attached to threaded rod 142. The plates are,preferably, approximately as wide as the spacing between the threadedrods and as high as sides 143 of flume 137. When set perpendicular tothe flow, the vanes can prevent or inhibit flow, but when opened theypresent a wide surface to control the direction of flow. Collecting tank130 is integrally formed in base 115 to provide a watertight hopper forcollecting undersize material and water flowing through screen 147supported on screen deck 117. The screen 147 may be any suitable knownscreen for a shale shaker. In the lower central portion of each sideplate 127, discharge openings 148 are provided for withdrawing undersizematerial. A formed bottom plate 151 sloping from the feed-end todischarge openings 148 and flanged vertically at the discharge end, isconnected or welded to side plates 127 to provide for the collection ofthe undersize material and water and to permit it to flow to dischargeopenings 148. Screen box 116 has two vertical side plates 155 which are,preferably, approximately trapezoidal in outline. Spring supportbrackets 156 are on each side plate at predetermined locations. Coilsprings 157 are located between screen box brackets 156 and basebrackets 132 to provide for isolation of vibrating screen box 116 frombase 115. Screen deck 117 is connected to or bolted to side plates 155to tie them together transversely into a rigid structure. Motor supportplate 158 is fastened to the top of one side plate 155 slightlyforwardly of its longitudinal center line. Horizontal transverse tube152 connects motor support plate 158 to counter weight 153 mounted onthe opposite plate. Springs 190 are disposed between weight assemblies162 and mounts 191. Counterweight 153 balances the weight of the driveon the screen box to obtain more uniform motion. The vibrator assembly121 is connected to each side plate 155 for example, with fasteners 159.Drive extension 161 of vibrator shaft 124 extends beyond counterweightassembly 162 on the same side of the screen box as the motor supportplate 158. Screen box 116 with screen deck 117, drive 118, vibratorassembly 121 and screen means 147 all move as a unit with a vibrationmotion produced by vibrator 121. Screen deck 117 has a generallyhorizontal feed section 119 followed by inclined discharge section 120,for example, inclined downwardly at 5 degrees in the direction of flow.Vibrator assembly 121 has a tubular housing 180, with flanged end bellsection 181 on each of its ends, which is connected to screen box sideplates 155. Within each end bell 181 there is a flanged cartridge typesealed spherical roller bearing block 182. The bearing blocks supportvibrator shaft 124 which has a concentric extension 183 on each of itsends beyond the bearing box for mounting counterweight assemblies 162.End 161 of the vibrator shaft is further extended to carry V belt pulley123 for drive 118.

Tensioning arrangement 170 includes support rod 172 extending betweenside plates 155 of screen box 116. A longitudinally extending member ispivotally attached to rod 172. A spring 171 is connected at one end to aend of the longitudinally extending member and at its other end tobracket 176 which in turn is connected to the bottom of side plate 155.A tension member extends vertically upward from shaft 172. A springmember 171 provides a force for urging the tensioning member in aclockwise direction.

The screen 147 is supported in a longitudinal direction via transverselyextending bars 177 having generally “U” shaped support members 178attached at the top thereof to directly support the undersurface ofscreen 147. The support members are made from or covered with rubber orcomposite or metal (for example steel, stainless steel, aluminum,aluminum alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, bronze, brass or iron) encased in orcoated with composite material or other suitable material. The supportbars 177 located at the feed end of screen deck 117 progressivelydecrease in height to provide a bowed or cambered support surface forscreen 147. The support bars 177 disposed under screen 147 of dischargesection 120 progressively decrease in height relative to the 5 degreedownward incline in the direction of flow to also provide a bowed orcambered support surface for overlying screen 147. The bowed or camberedsupport surface provided by members 177 and 178 enable screen 147 to betensioned evenly when placed on deck 117.

The various parts and components of the separator 100 may, in accordancewith the present invention, be made of composite material, steel orother suitable meal or coated with or encased in composite material;including, but not limited to parts bearing numerals: 115-116, 119, 120,124, 127-133, 135, 137, 140-143, 148, 151-153, 155-159, 161, 162, 171,172, 176-178, 180-183, 190, and/or 191.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,391 (fully incorporated herein for all purpose)discloses a separator similar to the separator 100, but it has noteaching, suggestion, or motivation to use composite material asdisclosed in accordance with the present invention for separators orparts thereof.

FIG. 10 shows a side wall 200 for a shale shaker basket which has a mainbody 201 made of any suitable materials including, but not limited tometal, steel, fiberglass, or composite material. Portions 202 of thebody 201 are made of composite material and provide attachment pointsfor brackets or other mount members for mounting the basket to springs,air springs, resilient members, or shock absorbers. Any suitablecomposite may be used, including, but not limited to, relativelyflexible composite material as disclosed in or as referred to inreferences cited in U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,319.

FIG. 11 shows a shale shaker 210 like the shale shaker of FIG. 3, butwith basket spring mounts 212 which have a portion 214 made ofrelatively flexible composite material. Optionally, base members 216 towhich springs 211 are secured have a top portion 218 made of suchrelatively flexible composite material and a lower section 219 made ofless flexible composite material or of metal, for example, but notlimited to, steel. Any part disclosed herein may have a portion made ofsuch relatively flexible composite material.

FIG. 12 shows a shale shaker 300 in accordance with the presentinvention which has a vibrating screen 312 with a lower edge 313,vibrated by vibrator 316 with nozzles 322 for spraying cuttings withwashing fluid. A pump 326 pumps the fluid from a tank 324 through a line328 and recirculates the fluid through a line 330. Material is fed ontothe screen 312 from a chute 320. A portion of the pump output can bediverted via a line 334 to a hydrocyclone or centrifuge 332 and thenthrough a line 336 to the tank 324. The screen 312 is secured to asupport structure or base 319 by hollow elastomeric isolators 318 whichmay be of the pneumatically expandable type to tune the apparatus toachieve a desired vibratory pattern or, instead of the isolators 318,coil springs, solid shock absorbers, or resilient members may be used.The isolators 318 are mounted between isolator mounts 318 c and 318 a or318 b. It is to be understood that although only one side of the shakeris shown in FIG. 12, the other side is like the side that is shown (asis true for other apparatus shown in figures herein).

In accordance with the present invention, the base 319, isolators 318,isolator mounts 318 c, isolator mounts 318 a and 318 b, and/or the chute320 are made of composite, material or metal encased in or coated withcomposite material. GB-A-2,089,403 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,014,587 disclosea shaker similar to the shaker 300, but they have no teaching,suggestion or motivation to make a shaker or parts thereof of compositematerial as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. ThisU.K. Application and U.S. patent are incorporated fully herein for allpurposes.

FIGS. 13A and 13B disclose a structural member 400 in accordance withthe present invention for use with vibratory separators and shaleshakers. Although shown with a generally elliptical tar cross-section,any suitable cross-section may be used. In one particular aspect themember 400 is used for mounting springs or other isolators between ascreen support and a base or housing; but it is to be understood that,in accordance with the present invention, such structure may be used forbasket ends or walls, chutes, posts, and for supporting members orbases. As shown the member 400 has a plurality of rings of differentmaterial. In one aspect rings 401 and 403 and a core 405 are made fromrelatively rigid composite material and the rings 402, 404 are made fromflexible composite material. Alternatively, the rings 402, 404 are madeof the rigid material and the rings 401, 403 and core 405 are made ofthe flexible material. It is within the scope of the present inventionto use any desired number of rings of either material.

FIG. 14 shows a wall or end 500 of a basket of a separator or shaker inaccordance with the present invention. The wall or end 500 has a coatingof composite material 501 on one side and a layer of composite material502 on the other side. Alternatively both sides are coated or both sideshave a layer of the material. Any composite material disclosed hereinmay be used. In certain aspects the coating 501 is the thickness of one,two, three, four more layers of paint and the layer 502 ranges between1/64th inch and ½ inch in thickness.

FIG. 15 shows a spring mount or spring support 510 which has a body 512made of composite material and inner core 514 made of compositematerial. A plurality of spaced-apart rods or discs 515 extend throughthe core 514 and have ends that project into the body 512. Such astructure may be used for basket side walls and ends, for bases orsupports, and for posts or chutes. In certain aspects the body 512 ismade of relatively rigid composite material and the core 514 and discsor rods 515 are made of relatively flexible composite material, orvice-versa. The body 512 and the core 514 may have a top cross-sectionlike that of the member 400 in FIGS. 13A and 13B; or they may have anydesired cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to,triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal. Any member,base, mount or structural part disclosed herein in accordance with thepresent invention may have the rods or discs or core of the support 510and/or a ring or rings or core as in the member 400.

FIG. 16 shows a spring mounting apparatus for a sprig or other isolatorof a separator or shaker that has a lower mount member 522 and an uppermount member 521. These mount member may be suitably attached or securedto a part of a separator or shaker and to a base or housing. Extendingbetween the mount members 521, 522 is a wring 523. A lower part of thespring 523 encircles a projection 525 of the lower mount member 522 andan upper part of the spring 523 encircles a projection 524 of the uppermount member 521. The top cross-sections of the mount members 521, 522and of the projections 524, 525 may be like a top cross-section likethat of the member 400 in FIGS. 13A and 13B; or they may have anydesired cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to,triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal. The mountmembers 521 and 522 are made of composite material. The spring 523 has aportion thereof coated with composite material 523 a; but it is withinthe scope of this invention for any other part or parts of the spring523, or substantially all of it, to be so coated.

“Composite” material as used herein includes fiberglass material andother non-metallic composite materials of sufficient strength andrigidity to serve as the listed parts, in accordance with the presentinvention, of shale shakers, including, but not limited to, thecomposite materials referred to in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,335,101; 6,346,425;6,352,779; 6,343,038; 6,355,206; 6,355,358; 6,361,860; 6,324,833;6,324,833; and 6,358,603 and in the references cited in thesepatents—all fully incorporated here for all purposes. It is within thescope of the present invention to use for a part for a shale shaker(arts listed or mentioned above in accordance with the presentinvention) a composite material with reinforcing wires, bars, cables,pieces, plates, rods and/or discs which are metal, wood or plastic andwith and/or within a matrix of cement, fiberglass, and/or plastic,including, but not limited to, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,603and in the references referred to in this patent, all of which areincorporated fully herein for all purposes. This discloses CompactReinforced Composite (CRC) and in general to impact-resistant articleswhich are based on a combination of a hard, but fracture-ductile matrixand a three-dimensional reinforcement which is internally tensioninterlocked in at least one dimension. This produces articles unique inshowing high strength, rigidity and ductility in all three directionsand showing, upon being subjected to a large load, high strength,toughness and rigidity, as well as the capability of absorbing highenergy with retention of a substantial degree of internal coherence,also under exposure to high-velocity or high energy impact. Thearticles, at least one domain of which has a three-dimensionallyreinforced composite structure, the composite structure comprising amatrix and a reinforcing system, the reinforcing system comprising aplurality of bodies embedded in the matrix and extendingthree-dimensionally in first, second and third dimensions therein, thereinforcing system being tension interlocked in at least one dimensionin the reinforcement components extending in the first and/or seconddimension are tension interlocked to reinforcement components extendingin the same dimension(s), but at a transverse distance therefrom, bytransverse reinforcement components extending in a dimension transverseto a plane or surface defined by the reinforcement in the first and/orsecond dimension the matrix having a compressive strength of at least 80MPa, a modulus of elasticity of at least 40 GPa, and a fracture energyof at least 0.5 kN/m, the reinforcing bodies having a tensile strengthof at least 200 MPa, preferably at least 400 Mpa.

1. A shale shaker comprising a base, vibration isolation apparatus connected to said base, a basket connected to said vibration isolation apparatus, vibrator apparatus connected to the basket to vibrate said basket, at least one of said base, said basket and said vibration isolation apparatus including a first portion made of flexible composite material and a second portion made of rigid composite material, the vibration isolation apparatus including basket spring mounts connected to the basket, base mount members connected to the base, a spring on each base mount member positioned below a basket spring mount, the first portion made of flexible composite material comprising a portion of the base mount members and the second portion made of rigid composite material comprising a portion of the base mount members, the vibration isolation apparatus including a spring mount base with a core and a portion surrounding the core, the core made of flexible composite material, a first ring around the core, the ring made of rigid material, the first portion made of flexible composite material comprising a second ring around the first ring.
 2. The shale shaker of claim 1 wherein each basket spring mount includes a spring support, each spring is on a spring support, each spring support including a body and a core in the body, the core comprising the first portion made of flexible composite material.
 3. The shale shaker of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart rods extending through the core and into the body.
 4. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first portion of flexible composite material includes at least one reinforcing part within the composite material.
 5. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 4 wherein the reinforcing part is made of metal.
 6. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 4 wherein the reinforcing part is made of material from the group consisting of wood, plastic, fibre, and composite material.
 7. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 1 further comprising electronic tracking apparatus on the shale shaker.
 8. The shale shaker of claim 1 wherein the base mount members have a top part and the top part includes the first portion made of flexible composite material and the second portion made of rigid composite material.
 9. The shale shaker of claim 8 wherein the base mount members include a bottom part beneath the top part, the bottom part made of metal.
 10. The shale shaker of claim 1 wherein the basket spring mounts have a part comprising the first portion made of flexible composite material.
 11. The shale shaker of claim 1 wherein the first portion made of flexible composite material is adjacent the second portion made of rigid composite material.
 12. The shale shaker of claim 3 wherein the rods are made of flexible composite material.
 13. The shale shaker of claim 1 wherein the basket has a wall, the wall comprises a main part with a first side spaced-apart from a second side, the first side having a layer of flexible composite material thereon.
 14. The shale shaker of claim 13 wherein the second side has a coating of composite material thereon.
 15. The shale shaker of claim 13 wherein the layer of flexible composite material ranges between 1/64 inch and ½ inch in thickness.
 16. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shale shaker has a screen support apparatus, the vibratory apparatus for vibrating the screen support apparatus, isolation apparatus for isolating the screen support apparatus to inhibit vibrations vibrating the screen apparatus from vibrating objects other than the screen support apparatus and the screen apparatus, mounting apparatus to which is mounted the vibration isolation apparatus, the mounting apparatus made from composite material, and the mounting apparatus includes at least one mount portion made from flexible composite material and at least one mount portion made from rigid composite material.
 17. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 16 wherein the at least a portion made from flexible composite material is a plurality of spaced-apart amounts of flexible composite material.
 18. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 16 wherein the vibration isolation apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart isolaters.
 19. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 16 wherein the vibration isolation apparatus is from the group consisting of springs, resilient members, cushions, flexible hollow members, and inflatable members.
 20. A shale shaker as claim in claim 1 wherein the shale shaker is for treating fluid introduced thereto, the fluid to be treated comprising fluid with drilled cuttings therein.
 21. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shale shaker is for treating fluid introduced thereto, the fluid to be treated including lost circulation material.
 22. A shale shaker as claimed in claim 21 wherein the lost circulation material includes fibrous lost circulation material.
 23. A method for treating fluid with a shale shaker, the method comprising providing a shale shaker comprising a base, vibration isolation apparatus connected to said base, a basket connected to said vibration isolation apparatus, vibrator apparatus connected to the basket to vibrate said basket, at least one of said base, said basket and said vibration isolation apparatus including a first portion made of flexible composite material and a second portion made of rigid composite material, the vibration isolation apparatus including basket spring mounts connected to the basket, base mount members connected to the base, a spring on each base mount member positioned below a basket spring mount, the first portion made of flexible composite material comprising a portion of the base mount members and the second portion made of rigid composite material comprising a portion of the base mount members, the vibration isolation apparatus including a spring mount base with a core and a portion surrounding the core, the core made of flexible composite material, a first ring around the core, the ring made of rigid material, the first portion made of flexible composite material comprising a second around the first ring, introducing fluid to be treated to the shale shaker, processing fluid through the shale shaker.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said fluid includes drilled cuttings.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said fluid includes lost circulation material. 